Forget Spain's La Tomatina, Have A Look At Italians Pelting 500 Tonnes Of Oranges At Each Other

You may have heard of Spain's famous tomato-battling festival known as La Tomatina, but not many people have heard of the "Battle of the Oranges" that takes place in the Northern Italian city of Ivrea.

You may have heard of Spain's famous tomato-battling festival known as La Tomatina, but not many people have heard of the "Battle of the Oranges" that takes place in the Northern Italian city of Ivrea.

This year's installment of what is Italy's largest food fight began on Monday, as the event's participants pelted 500 tonnes of oranges at each other to commemorate the 12th century rebellion of the city's common men against their oppressors.

Dressed in medieval costumes, participants were split into two groups of nobility and commoners, after which ensued an extremely messy fight, one from which even the spectators weren't safe.

Rules clearly state that anyone wearing the Phrygian Cap should be exempt from orange attacks, as it ' signifies that you are part of the revolutionaries.' However, it is not uncommon for those with the caps and even spectators to get caught in the middle and cop a few juicy blows.

"It's a fun event," a participant named Giulia Baldini told Reuters. "I would have preferred to be in the audience - I'm trying to stay out of the way of the oranges but someone's already got me a few times unfortunately."

Another local named Roberto Accio added: "This is certainly the most important event in Ivrea. It's definitely more important than Christmas or Easter. It's very important. There is an energy among the people that you can't even describe."

The Battle of the Oranges is a three-day festival that is scheduled to end on Wednesday.